Oliver Bearman has said he believes he is ready to fight for Formula 1 podiums as the British driver made clear his ambition to drive for a top-four team.

The 21-year-old is in his second full season in the sport with Haas but remains a Ferrari academy driver.

Bearman, who made a stunning F1 debut for the Scuderia when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia in 2024, says a deal for him to extend his stay with Haas beyond this season is close to being agreed.

But Bearman, who has scored 23 of Haas' 30 points to sit 13th in the standings, has made no secret of his goal to drive at the top end of the grid.

"I'm committed to Haas. You know, I'm happy to be in F1 but, of course, looking into the medium-long term, I also feel like I'm ready to fight for podiums and fight at the front," Bearman said.

"In terms of a midfield team, Haas is the team that I want to be with and I see my future with. But at some point as well, I feel like I've earned the opportunity to go out and look for a top-four team.

"And of course, with my link with Ferrari, that would be my ultimate goal."

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Haas announced last week that Rafael Camara, currently leader of the F2 championship, will join them in 2027.

The 21-year-old Brazilian -- three days older than Bearman -- is also part of the Ferrari academy set-up, with the pair having joined the Scuderia on the same day.

Bearman concedes it could be seen as a shoot-out between them to land a potential Ferrari seat but believes he is ready to step up and lead the team, following the departure of Esteban Ocon.

"We're the same age. Obviously Rafa has less experience than me in Formula 1, but I guess that for Ferrari it's also a good thing to see who they want to put in their car in the medium term," Bearman added.

"Of course, my goal is to put myself in the best position."